h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

where is everyone???

Hi - I've just come here from the Front Page Link.

I ought to join because I cycle a lot. But I am NOT an enthusiast and would not dream of cycling just for fun. I HAVE to do it to get about as we only have one car. In fact, this morning, out of choice, I am going to walk to work.

My husband, on the other hand, left this morning for a week's cycling tour with some mates. He's been doing this for a couple of years now. While I am, of course, pleased to have the house to myself, I am also delighted for him that he has found this sort of companionship.

But what's with all the weird clothes? Makes men look most unattractive (OK I know Reefgirl disagrees with that!)

I'm a cyclist! and have been since 1945. Member of the CTC and also the "racing offshoot" EAST SURREY ROAD CLUB - hooray for them.
Time trialled for some years and of course loads of touring. In those early `heady` days of cycling there were many clubs in existance - now, sadly, a lot have gone. We used our bikes for getting to work week days and training in the evenings, shopping on Saturday and then TT`s and/or the clubrun. My own mileage was something like 40 miles per day commuting, add to that quite a bit for training in the `racing` season and probably about (averaged) 100 miles on a Sunday.

Apart from conventional bikes I also took to three wheels(very satisfting) under the auspices of The Tricycle Association.

There was then a huge gap in terms of years when cycling took a very second place in my life when I made a career change and became a Male Nurse. Trained in The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and at the end of my career finished as a Senior Nurse at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. In retirement I am slowly (very) getting fit and turning the pedals into miles, not many at the moment. My wife worries about the traffic and the lack of awareness of motorists to the needs of cyclists.

How have others fared in work and play ?.

hummm clothes, I like the freestyle look! a baggy pair of cycling shorts (padded) my hat (freestyle olive "just missed the drop zone" green) fingerless gloves, tea shirt and a smile! I cycle around 12-15 miles aday!

RJR

I'm a cyclist!

Oh dear - some extra info is required, right?

I took early retirement in March after 10 years commuting the 66 mile round trip to & from Hull every day and decided to cycle for exercise and bought a bike. Gosh how they've changed over the past 20 years! At first I thought a road bike would fit the bill but instead settled for a "town and country" cycle. I must say I'm quite impressed with the cycle routes around here; never knew the local council was so active (not to say thoughtful) in that area.
An hours ride a day (unless it's raining) is just the ticket and it's a pleasure touring around the urban countryside.
Must admit for the past few days when it's been warm, I've taken to wearing shorts (non cycling), tee-shirt and sandals. Hope no-one has been upset by this sight.

Tour de France quote of the day:

"When you're in 53-11, you stay there!"

Tom Boonen, I think it was - I was listening in the shower.

I forgot to add that I'm off to Bad Goisern in the morning to watch Gary Fisher (yes 'the' Gary Fisher - the inventor of mountain bikes) riding in a 110 km race. Fortunately not riding in the 265km mountain race at the ripe young age of 56. On yer bike Gary!

coolio!

I rode in the rain today, got soaking wet, but what a nice day out and about down by the river Avon / Severn (Avonmouth) about 15 miles long and i shrunk about 20mm, seen some cormerents, heaps of sea gulls, ducks, and took photos


RJR

I'm thinking of buying a new bike!

I've bought a new bike

so then i'm off

What's your new bike Rev Jack? You guys normally have black Raleighs with wicker baskets, 3-speed Sturmey Archers and dynamo lamps.

I cycled up a big hill the other day. Big effort but no real problems. Coming down was a different story - a bit hairy. I must get some new brake blocks before I do that trick again.

hello


Giant Anthem Advanced, I've been out on it today and its nice, sort of got it wound up to nearly 26mph might have got more but it was slippy!

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/mountain/159/14262/


RJR

Knobbly tyres eh Rev? I did 49 kms on my Kettler Opal today and never moved an inch. It's parked in front of Le Tour de France on the tele.
My favourite bike was my old faithful Gary Fisher Tassajaro but I had to leave it behind in UK. It was made from real American steel and was very responsive. Now I have a flashy Puch Fireblade MTB kockabout workhorse with a dodgy back wheel and even dodgier brakes. I hope to move on to better things. In fact I pray to do so.

Having being caught in a July downpour, I'm waiting for a smattering of blue sky before heading out on two wheels. Incidently, my cycle is made of GB steel. The difference between US & GB steel? Bugger all?

Yep! and I like a knobble or two

Wah-hoo!

I find the bothering part of getting rained on is what to do when you arrive. A change of clothes and shoes in a plastic bag is handy, but you don't normally carry that.

Cycling through rain? Having a shower at destination gets my vote. That's because start & finish of cycle route is usually at mine or friends' house. And I've retired so no w*rk/BO worries!!!

The old Zimmerrad in the corner is eyeing me with the Spanish Vueletta Tour Pyrenne stages in front of the television in its clinical mechanical mind. Hope it's on Eurosport. You never know with all the doping scandals.